In The Beginning

The first question many entrepreneurs ask themselves about starting a small business is, "Does my business idea really fulfill a need?" While working for a company in Southern Indiana as a manager, Diane Fischer found out saying "Yes" to her idea was both truly exciting and very scary. While still with her past employer, Fischer discovered a direct mail industry void in the Louisville Metro area. There were operations in town, but not many who really catered to small businesses like her employer at the time.

In 1986, Fischer and her partner set out to change the local Direct Mail vendor scene by starting L & D Mail Masters, Inc. The beginning was modest. A spare bedroom in Fischer's home, the family minivan, folding machine, computer, postage meter and entrepreneurial spirits fueled L & D's growth the first few months. After mornings filled with sales pitches in business suits and high heels, the women traded the heels for sneakers to complete the jobs and unload at the post office dock in the afternoon.

Soon the company found itself in a rented space in downtown New Albany, followed by another move in 1988 to a 17,000 square foot facility in Clarksville, IN. During the first three years in business, the company saw 50-75% growth rate per year and a growing presence in the local area. In 1990, Fischer acquired her partner's share of L & D Mail Masters.

SMALL BUSINESS TO EVOLVING CORPORATION

In the Clarksville facility, L & D grew to a company with 40 full-time employees, annual sales of $6 million and the processing capacity to mail between 100,000-300,000 pieces per week. As 1997 rolled along, L & D increased production rates to 500,000-800,000 pieces per week and a steady annual sales growth rate of $1 million per year.

Seeing no end for growth and possibilities, Fischer decided once again to move the company, finally settling into its current facility within the Grantline Business Park in New Albany, IN. L & D Mail Masters' steady sales and production growth resulted in two building expansions, the purchase of an adjacent building and the construction of a third building. The company currently employs over 135 full-time staff members and utilizes 188,000 square feet of production and storage space.

PAVING THE PATH TO OUR FUTURE

L & D Mail Masters has molded itself into a technologically advanced entity ensuring our clients the efficiency and effectiveness needed to succeed in today's business world. The company expanded proficiencies while becoming a well respected full-size direct mail marketing resource. Company clientele includes insurance companies, financial institutions, universities, national sales organizations, publishing companies, and other industry leaders.

In recent years, additional sectors have been added to the L & D portfolio to better service our clients. Design Masters and Print Masters have added great opportunities for customers to enjoy one-stop-shopping to execute any direct mail marketing project. Our talented graphic staff designs and constructs innovative direct mail advertising, websites, brochures, full corporate identities, postcards and anything else a customer could dream of to grow their business. In addition to in-house capabilities, the company has built strong partnerships with businesses in the local area and across the nation.

Local organizations have recognized L & D Mail Masters for excellence, leadership, innovation and philanthropy. Some of these organizations include One Southern Indiana, National Association of Women Business Owners, BPW/River City, Inside Indiana Business and IABC/PRSA Landmarks. In recent years, the company has received 8 achievement awards for success.

We see ourselves as a progressive company staying nimble to satisfy our customers' needs. Our strong values and ethics have led to trusted relationships throughout the industry. Holding our standards high when it comes to quality, service, turnaround, and partnerships with our customers and vendors keep us steps in front of competitors. We thank you for your interest in our company and look forward to partnering with you soon.